The Advantages to Choosing Basic Stock Kitchen Cabinets

By Leslie Smith
RefacingCabinet.com Columnist

The definition of stock kitchen cabinets is basically what you can buy in a box from Home Depot, Lowes or Ikea. There's no shame in choosing this route and there are definitely some advantages.

Advantage One: Discount Cabinets Are Available

Stock kitchen cabinets are less expensive than custom kitchen cabinets. Because they are stock kitchen cabinets, your home store will likely have the same cabinets for some time if in the future you want to add a row of the same cabinets along an adjoining eating area. Make sure that the style you are purchasing is not being discontinued. If it is, see if you can receive a discount on your purchase.

Advantage Two: How To Install Kitchen Cabinets

Installing stock kitchen cabinets is no different than putting together any shelf set that came in a flat box. The biggest challenge will be making sure your walls are plumb, your floors are level and your ceiling is flat. Buy some wooden shims before you checkout at the home center. Shims can be used under the cabinets and at the top of cabinets that hit the ceiling.

Advantage Three: Oak Kitchen Cabinets

Oak kitchen cabinets are available in stock almost everywhere. Oak is a favorite wood for stock kitchen cabinets because it is so versatile. It is extremely durable and resistant to mold and mildew and looks great with just simple varnish, staining or painting. If you get bored easily, oak will allow you to change your mind many times throughout the life of your kitchen.

Oak kitchen cabinets are especially helpful in a property that perhaps you are not there to maintain daily. A rental property or vacation home will do quite well with oak kitchen cabinets--so take stock in your super home center's selection.

About The Author

Leslie A.M. Smith is a freelance writer and desperately needs a new kitchen. Until she can afford it, she has her eye on refacing her cabinets.